Western Diocese News

“History of the Western Diocese” Is Published

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

According to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian “ ‘History of the Western Diocese’ is a worthy expression of that history and a wonderful initiative by means of which we also express our feelings of indebtedness to all those – clergy or laity who have believed in the mission of the Armenian Church and through humble service have turned their lives into a dwelling place of God and their souls and hearts as a gift to the Fatherland, and a place of the offering of incense with the aroma of Holy Etchmiadzin with full emotions.”

We gladly inform the faithful that this wonderful book is available at the Diocesan Bookstore.

Western Diocese to Honor Rabbi Harold Schulweis of Jewish World Watch

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Burbank, CA – On Thursday, May 15^th, at 7:30 p.m., the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church under the auspices of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian will host an evening honoring Rabbi Harold Schulweis, founder of Jewish World Watch and spiritual leader of Valley Beth Shalom. Rabbi Schulweis has been a leading pillar and voice in the Jewish community standing with Armenians in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian and Jewish communities are joining together in recognizing “The Kinship of Suffering and Comfort”. The evening will include a cultural program with musical performances by the Valley Beth Shalom and St. Peter Armenian Church Choirs, and traditional dance by the Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble and the Vartan and Siranoush Gevorkian Dance Ensemble.

In 2007, Jewish World Watch organized the first joint commemoration of the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide, with thousands of Jewish and Armenian community members participating. Jewish World Watch is a coalition of almost 60 synagogues in the Los Angeles Jewish community, working to educate and advocate on issues of genocide and egregious human rights violations. It has activated the local Jewish community, politically, to stop the Darfur Genocide and has raised more than $1 million for humanitarian relief for the survivors of the genocide.

Celebration Marks the Beginning of Mother Cathedral Construction

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The beginning of the construction of the cathedral is the realization of years of work to design a beautiful and functional Armenian Church that meets the needs of the community and to receive full approval from all official bodies involved. Therefore, this event was truly a historical moment of celebration for the Western Diocese.

Mr. Berj Shahbazian, Chair of the Celebration Committee, offered the opening remarks wherein he welcomed the guests and thanked His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian for his inspiring leadership that made the construction of the Mother Cathedral a dream-come-true. The Honorable Wendy Gruel, Los Angeles City Councilmember was then invited by Mr. Shahbazian to share her thoughts with the audience. She congratulated the Armenian Community and the Primate on the occasion of the beginning of the construction of the Church. Mr. Armen Hampar, Chair of the Cathedral Building Committee, offered his words of gratitude to the former Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, for their outstanding leadership in mobilizing the means and talents of the Western Diocese toward the realization and rise of the Mother Cathedral.

His Excellency Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, in his remarks stressed the primary importance of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the life of the Armenian people throughout the world, emphasizing the importance of the construction of the Mother Cathedral in this regard.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, offered the following remarks during the festive occasion:

“The construction of the Mother Cathedral is a heavenly blessing that will solidify and reinforce the foundations of the Western Diocese along with the Diocesan Churches and Mission. The construction of the Mother Cathedral has been a dream of ours for a long time throughout the Western Diocese.

We thank God that today has granted us the opportunity to merge together and build this magnificent house of God which will mirror the true meaning and purpose of our faith. The Mother Cathedral will bridge us to the Heavens, remind us of the mystery of Holy Etchmiadzin, and reinforce our faith, as well as a challenge to the coming generations.

We have not only been called to bring our participation to the construction of the Mother Cathedral, but encourage all those who have not yet raised their participatory prayers in the process of the construction of the Mother Cathedral. It is our aim to promote the construction of the Mother Cathedral wherever and whenever it is possible. Thus giving a rare opportunity to as many faithful as possible to not regret after the completion of the construction of the Mother Cathedral – providing everyone the blessed chance to say that they also laid a stone in the construction of the Mother Cathedral and share the blessings of the God-pleasing work.

Indeed, we would like to thank all of you, since you all have been wonderful, enthusiastic and involved with this blessed project. The Mother Cathedral will symbolize our path to Salvation – through our faith in Christ our Lord and Savior.”

- Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Primate Joins His Holiness Karekin II Visit to Rome

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will join the entourage of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during the Pontiff’s visit to Rome.

His Holiness and the accompanying entourage will pay an official visit to Vatican to meet with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

The high-ranking clerical delegation headed by His Holiness will also visit the Armenian Church in Milan and St. Lazarus Armenian Convent and Church in Venice.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will return to the Diocese on May 13, 2008.

81st Diocesan Assembly Elections’ Results

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Members of the 81st General Assembly Committee

Mrs. Adrienne Krikorian, Chair of the Diocesan Assembly
Mr. Ed Nikssarian, Vice Chair of the Diocesan Assembly
Zarouhi Der Mugrdechian, English Secretary
Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Armenian Secretary

Clergy members elected to the Diocesan Assembly:

Fr. Yeghia Harabedian
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian

Lay members of the Diocesan Assembly:

Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq.
Mr. George Ouzounian
Mr. Greg Tcherkoyan

Western Diocese Endowment Fund Trustees:

Mr. Armen Hampar
Mrs. Lisa Kalustian
Mr. David Keligian
Dr. Gary Lulejian
Mr. Richard Mushegian

After the elections, the Diocesan Council convened for a brief meeting to hold the internal elections of the officers. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the meeting. The results are indicated below:

President: His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
Chair: Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq.
Vice Chair: Mr. Greg Tcherkoyan
Treasurer: Mr. George Ouzounian
Secretary: Mrs. Lily Ring Balian

Members:

Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian
Archpriest Fr. Manoog Markarian
Fr. Yeghia Harabedian
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian
Dr. Vahram Biricik
Mr. Jeff Hazarian, Esq.
Dn. Carl Bardakian

81st Diocesan Assembly

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The 81^st Diocean Delegates Assembly began on the morning of Friday, May 2^nd. The Primate of the Western Diocese, Abp. Hovnan Derderian opened the meeting with a prayer. Those present sang the hymn "Soorp Asdvadz", followed by the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretzian reading the Gospel reading for the day.

Under the presidency of the Primate, the meeting was lead by the following committee: Ms. Adrienne Krikorian, Chair; Mr. Gerald Chuljian, Vice-Chair; Zarouhi Der Mugrdechian, English Secretary; Rev. Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Armenian Secretary.

The Chair, Adrienne Krikorian, in her welcoming remarks, called this year’s Assembly an historical occasion, as on May 3^rd the constriction of the Mother Cathedral will officially begin. She stated, "It is a proud opportunity for me to be serving as the first woman Chair of an Assembly of the Western Diocese on such an historic occasion, and to be working with true servants of the Armenian Church."

The agenda for the assembly was then reviewed and approved, as were the minutes from the 80^th General Assembly.

Two young Candidates to the Priesthood, Dn. Arsen Hairabedyan and Dn. Grigor Avagyan were invited to read the pontifical message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. It was read first in Armenian, and then in English.

His Holiness’s message was as follows:

From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we extend to you our pontifical greetings and blessings to you the dedicated delegates of the 81^st Diocesan Assembly of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

You have come together to accelerate the pace of positive developments throughout the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America – through your deliberations, discussions and exchange of ideas. You have been entrusted with the mission and you have demonstrated passionate love in serving the Church for which we thank you wholeheartedly. We praise you for your support and dedication to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and His Eminence’s church-building and other constructive initiatives.

It is with great pleasure that we reflect upon the reports from His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian indicating your exemplary service and contribution to the realization of the Mission of the Church. We are most pleased with all the auxiliary bodies that in the spirit of cooperation render their crucially important service to the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church in the Western regions of the United States. We raise our prayers to the Lord at the Altar of Holy Etchmiadzin for you and that the Good Lord may strengthen you even more in your service to the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church in general and the Western Diocese in particular, for the greatness of the Church is driven from the strength of the Patriarchates and the Dioceses throughout the world.

We wanted to convey our deepest appreciation to you all, namely, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the Diocesan Clergy, Chairs and members of the Diocesan Council and the Parish Councils. We hope you would unwaveringly continue your outstanding service to the Church.

We raise our prayers to the Lord to bless you and protect you and keep you enthusiastic and zealous in the service of the Church. We thank you very much for serving the Church and the Western Diocese so passionately.

May the Lord grant you and your families long life, continuing success and happiness in the service of the Church.

The day's spiritual message was offered by the Rev. Fr. Shnork Demirdjian who emphasized that the faithful must continue the mission of the Apostles.

The delegates then heard reports from several of the auxiliary bodies of the Western Diocese, including The Diocesan Council, The Cathedral Construction Committee, The Cathedral Fundraising Committee, Christian Educational Department, Christian Education Council, Etchmiadzin's Children's Fund, The Ladies Society Central Council, The Diocesan Ladies Auxiliary, and the Clergy Executive Committee.

The Diocesan Ladies Auxiliary Chairperson, Mrs. Cindy Norian, presented the Primate with a contribution of $50,000 raised through their hard work and untiring efforts, particularly at the Annual Debutant Ball.

The Primate then introduced to the delegates, the Candidates to the Priesthood, Dn. Vahe Abovian, Dn. Mayis Shahbazian, Dn. Hovnan Vadanian, Dn. Grigor Avagyan, Dn. Arsen Hairabedian, Ryan Tellalian, Mkrtich Ksachikyan, Martin Zakarian, Matthew Ash and Haig Dikranian. Also introduced were two new priests who have been assigned parishes in the Western Diocese; Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, parish priest for the Armenian Church of Ventura and Santa Barabara, and Fr. Zaven Margosyan who will soon be the parish priest for Colorado.

Second Session

The second session of the meeting convened after the luncheon at 1:40 PM. The majority of the delegates were present and the meeting was called to order by the Chair.

The meeting proceeded in accordance with the meeting agenda in the following order:

Clergy Stipend and Pension Plan Standing Committee
Clergy Recruitment and Education Committee
Armenian Church Camp Board of Directors
Armenian Church Youth Organization
- ACYO-CC
- Christian Youth Mission to Armenia
St. Gregory Armenian School
Government Relations and Protocol Committee
Association of Armenian Choirs
Diocesan Bookstore
Arakel and Shake Aga Sarkissian Library
Publications “Mother Church,” Calendar
Western Diocese Endowment Fund
Stewardship Committee
Fund Raising Committee
Summer Pilgrimage
Armenian Professional Network
Holy See Etchmiadzin – Kevorkian Seminary
Auditing Committee
Diocesan Council Financial Report

There were many constructive proposals presented to the Chair for overall improvements and amendments to the By-Laws of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. They were subsequently approved by the Assembly, namely, the proposal for overall revision, the amendment to the Diocesan tax resolution, and revisions to the clergy stipend and pension plan.

Banquet

The Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Western Diocese was the gathering ground for the Official Banquet of the 81^st Diocesan Assembly, on the evening of May 2, 2008. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the evening.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his heartfelt remarks thanked Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Vice Chair of the Diocesan Council, and Chair of the Host Committee, as well as Mrs. Belet Shahbazian, Chair of Banquet Organizing Committee. His Eminence presented the Archbishop’s Award to three dedicated and distinguished staff members of the Western Diocese. The honorees and recipients of the award this year were Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor and Editor of the Mother Church; Mari Gizlechyan, Executive Secretary, and Diramayr Anna Movsesian, former Executive Secretary.

His Eminence made the following remarks during the evening:

“Not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6).

During the past few days, we gathered here, prayed together and participated in several meetings. We evaluated our fellowship as a church, pondering how truly we executed the Will of God. The annual Diocesan Assemblies offer extraordinary opportunities to all of us to evaluate our policies and seek solutions that correspond with the objectives of the Mission of the Church. We strive to achieve the highest levels of excellence in our services to the community, with ever-deepening faith and devotion to the Mission of the Church.

We thank God that our 80 years old Diocese – beginning as early as 1898 when the Western Diocese began to form – continues to grow and thrive due to the extraordinary dedication of our clergy and laity. We pray for all those who bring their participation to the affairs of the Church. We are grateful to all Diocesan Clergy who praise the Lord’s name through their words, deeds, and example. We thank the dedicated members of the Diocesan Council, who in collaboration with all other auxiliary bodies, strive for the accomplishment of the Mission of the Church in the Western Diocese.

We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our faithful throughout the Western Diocese, the Parish Councils, and all auxiliary bodies; for they have truly and wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to the task of preserving the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church which has remained true to the words of the Apostles.

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: […], if service, in our serving;[…], be aglow with the spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom. 12:7, 11-12).

Obviously, it would be impossible for us to mention the names of all those who have made a difference with their participation and contribution to the life of the Diocese. However, there are few names that we wish to be mentioned here. We commend the Chair of the Diocesan Council, Dn. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, along with Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Vice Chair of the Diocesan Council, as well as all other members of the Diocesan Council who have served most outstandingly. We could not find words that would sufficiently express our deep appreciation to Mrs. Lily Ring Balian, Secretary of the Diocesan Council, the Chair of the Ladies’ Society, Mrs. Sylva Katchiguian, and Mrs. Cindy Norian, Chair of the Diocesan Ladies’ Auxiliary Committee as well as Mr. Armen Hampar, Chair of the Cathedral Building Committee, for their invaluable service to the Diocese.

“[n]ot in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Eph. 6:6).

We express our sincere appreciation to the 81^st Diocesan Assembly Organizing Committee, chaired by Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq,. We especially thank the Banquet Organizing Committee for this evening, chaired by Mrs. Belet Shahbazian.

In conclusion, we would like to express our appreciation to the Diocesan Staff, who have willingly assisted us beyond their obligations and normal working hours. As a token of appreciation, tonight, we are pleased to present the Archbishop’s Award to three dedicated and distinguished staff members of the Western Diocese. The honorees and recipients of the award this year are Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor and Editor of the Mother Church; Mari Gizlechyan, Executive Secretary and Diramayr Anna Movsesian, former Executive Secretary.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

The recipients of the Archbishop’s Award expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Primate for honoring them with the award. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian made the following appreciation remarks upon receiving the Archbishop’s Award:

Dear Surpazan Hayr,

On this solemn occasion I express my deepest gratitude and thanks to you for honoring me today and bestowing upon me the Archbishop's Award. Our Lord teaches us, saying, "When you have done all that is commanded you, say, We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty" (Luke 17:10).

As a servant of God, I have performed my responsibilities to the best of my ability. My motto in life is: "Do not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 13:21). Pray for my health, so that I may continue my services for the glory of Almighty God.

Personally and on behalf of my family I would like also to express our filial love and sincere gratitude to our former Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian who in 1972 invited me to serve in the Western Diocese and about 24 years ago through his continuous efforts I received a special permission from the Venerable Vazken I, Catholicos of All Armenian to marry and have a family.

Thank you very much for honoring me tonight.

Guests enjoyed performances by the “Memories Band” and the fun and fellowship during the evening.

Armenian Church of the Desert Accomplishment - Corrected Version

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Diocese would like to inform the faithful that the Parish Council of the Armenian Church of the Desert is working hard to obtain the necessary permits from the city in order to begin construction of the new sanctuary. God willing, The City Council of Rancho Mirage will be considering the matter in the near future. Please note that in a previous version of this communique, it was stated in error that the permits had already been obtained.

Note: This communique was revised on May 3, 2008. Disregard any earlier version.

Mother Cathedral Construction Contract Signed at Western Diocese

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

On Friday, May 02, 2008, at 8:00 AM, the Diocesan Council convened for a meeting in the Primate’s office at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church for the construction agreement signing ceremony.

Dn. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Chair of the Diocesan Council, and Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Vice Chair, signed the agreement on behalf of the Western Diocese.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all those who selflessly contributed to the timely progression of the construction of the Mother Cathedral. Mr. Armen Hampar and Mr. Berj Shahbazian, and members of the Diocesan Council thanked the Primate for his leadership, wishing His Eminence continued success for the benefit of the faithful in the Western Diocese.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, made the following remarks on the joyous occasion:

“The Mother Cathedral will be a testimony to our existence. The construction of the Mother Cathedral will bring our community together and confidently bridge our heritage into the future for the coming generations.

The Mother Cathedral will become the corner stone of all the churches throughout the Diocese, bringing our beloved faithful together on our journey to fulfill the Mission of the Church.

The construction of the Mother Cathedral will be a testimony to the sacrifices made by our Christian forefathers, on these Western shores of the United States.

The Mother Cathedral will be a platform for evangelism and guidance for the community and the generations to come.

Last but not least, the Mother Cathedral must become a testimony of the sacrifices made by the Saints in the name of Christ our Lord and His people.”

Armenian Church of Arizona Begins Church Construction

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Diocese happily announces to the faithful of the Western Diocese that the Armenian Church of Arizona, having received the necessary permits and agreements will soon be beginning the construction of their church building. The parish priest is Fr. Zakaria Saripekian.

With pride we want to announce that according to the wishes of the primary donors, the Hovsepian Sisters, it was agreed that the new church will be called St. Apkar.

We pray that with the Lord’s blessings that the church will be consecrated as part of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church.

Armenian Church of Portland Purchases Property for New Church

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

We are proud to announce to the faithful of the Western Diocese that a movement is underway to construct new churches. Currently there are five such projects in the Diocese underway for the benefit of our parishes and their communities. The newest of these projects has begun for the Armenian Church of Portland, Oregon whose new Parish Priest is Fr. Zare Mansourian.

Through their effort Fr. Zare and the Parish Council of the Armenian Church of Portland found a suitable property for their future Church building. With joy we announce that on the morning of Friday, May 02, Parish Council Chair Dr. Dn. Kevork Parseghian in a meeting with the Primate, Abp. Hovnan Derderian, and on behalf of the Parish Council purchased the new property.

Diocesan Council, under the presidency of the Primate, in their meeting confirmed the purchase of the property. The Primate congratulated the pastor and parish council for the gift of their service, offered his blessings, and wished success for Armenian Church of Portland in this mission.